1986 Toyota Celica
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 13 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 22 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 106 |
| 2001 | 47 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
3 of 9 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The drivers side seatbelt does not latch properly. The female end will not recieve the male part and the red button is broken. Please describe.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-13
Plastic seat belt buckle on drivers side split, allowing to slip out of buckle through split.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-04
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Electrical system
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Battery and the shelf that battery sat on fell into engine and caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-04
Vehicle speed control
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 Ride control is recalling certain front strut mounts branded as gabriel ride control or arvinmeritor, p/nos. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, sold as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed…
Remedy: Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 15, 2010. Owners may contact ride control at 1-248-458-1396.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Toyota Celica — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1986 Toyota Celica reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Toyota Celica?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Toyota Celica have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.